is the most content in a mean condition a great Estate is a great burden vvhat care does it cost in keeping and he that hath most hath no more than he enjoyes besides the trouble I am of his mind vvho desired neither riches nor poverty betvveen both is best there is more tranquillity more security I vvould not be soo lovv lest I am trod on nor too high lest I fall let me not be exposed to contempt nor vvant content till I envy others LIV. Do not depend upon prosperity nor yet despair vvhen things go cross he that sails vvith a fresh and fair gale cannot tell but the vvind may turn here is nothing constant but inconstancy suppose it be not overcast sometimes it rains and the Sun shines yet a man may be so provided as not to fear a shovvre vvhatever the Weather is I vvill keep my Coat about me if it be vvell novv it may be vvorse and if it is not so vvell as it vvas it may be better than it is LV. Hast thou an ill-hand dealt mend it by thy play he hath no reason to complain that vvins the game a little stock vvell-husbanded may amount to a great Sum and vvhat matter vvhere thou hast it vvhether it vvere given or gotten vvhere Providence hath not provided a man is his ovvn purvior and if he please may please himself I have known a smoke blown to a flame and seen the fire go out some have brought their pence to pounds and others a Noble to nine pence LVI The low Cottage stands surer than the lofty Turrets less liable to wind and weather Riches have been a snare to many who have lost for them themselves a fair Estate is but the fairer mark the bigger Butt to shoot at the tall Cedar may come down when the shrub keeps its station I have seen the surly Oak fall while the Reed stands LVII Steer not by the stars though they may govern thee yet God governs them it is true the heavenly have an influence upon the earthly bodies and the effect does naturally follow the cause from such a principle such a product yet there is no rule without exception and things are oft-times diverted by over-ruling power the stream does not alwayes keep its course and channelâ— much must be allowed to emergencies and contingencies I wonder at the boldness of some men who dare to pry into secrets and take upon them to discover Decrees as if they knew the mind of God and were of his Cabinet-counsel they tell you they have their tydings from the stars as if the stars told tales LVIII There are none so insolent as those who are advanced from nothing set a Beggar on Horse-back and he will ride he domineers most who rises from the Dunghill his condition being in the extream his mind cannot keep a mean and he can never rule right who cannot rule himself there is no slavery so intolerable as to be subject to a vile person I do not like the Thistle should sway the Scepter LIX He cannot be proud that thinks either what he was or will be whatever may raise us up yet dust will keep us down and dust we are in composition and shall be in dissolution the best is but refined earth but earth at best beauty is but skin-deep within is filth and putrefaction a fair outside but fill'd with ashes the most despised creature is of the same clay with me if I am put to a nobler use it is the Potters pleasure the mettal is the same though I be better burnished we are alike in the lump and shall be when we are broken if I look but to my feet the Peacock will let fall his Plumes I will endeavour to learn what I am and to remember what I learn let me never forget my Maker nor my self LX. The Bee sucks honey out of a stinking Weed and the Chymist will extract gold out of a baser mettal a wise man will gain by every thing his enemies Weapon shall save his life the Physitian makes a potion of a Vipers it is not impossible to get good out of evil neither is the good the worse why should I value the pearle the less for being in a Toads head LXI Rather sin thy self than cause another to sin of two evils choose the least he is the greatest Traytor that engageth others in the Treason the guilt is aggravated where the crime is compounded to sin alone is less a sin it is a treble offence where I force it single in the person I compell but double in my self it is a bad bargain where both are losers LXII It is a saying more common than commendable He knows not how to live that knows not how to dissemble though there are few so impudent to plead for it many by their practice approve it how is cheating grown a custom to flatter is to be in the fashion who can tell the heart by the hand or tongue most men row one way and look another I do not condemn discretion nor think I am bound to speak the truth at all times nor all the truth but my intention must be good it is the end that mends or marrs the action and though plain dealing should dye a Beggar yet honesty will at last be found the best policy LXIII Alwayes be doing something be never idle rather do and undo than do nothing it is better to pick straws than to blow thy fingers but none can want work but they who want will I fear those whose time is now a burden will have too much cause to call back time I will not lose a day lest I want what I lose LXIV It is in living as in sailing whether I sit or walk wake or sleep I still make some way towards my Harbour my Glass is running my Taper burning whether to work by or to waste my time spends however I spend my time LXV What uncertainties are poor creatures at who are sure of nothing not of themselves we and ours are still in motion tending to a center and conclusion whatever hath a being either decayes or dyes but this is worst of all we sometimes lose our comforts before we leave them they are taken and we are left to lament their loss who can tell what a day may bring forth what alterations have I seen in a lesser space I have seen it clear and in an instant overcast the Wind may soon come about and the Tyde as soon turn the World rings changes it is a poor content which is plac'd in what is perishing and subject to casualty or corruption Lord let me love what I can neither lose nor over-love LXVI It is decreed all must dye some are gone we are going and the rest must go there is no repealing this sentence nor from it any appeal neither is the Executioner to be bribed he scorns Crowns and Scepters when the Warrant is signed thou art a dead man neither tears nor prayers will serve thy turn
it lest I enter the lists naked I will expect and I shall the better withstand the shock what though the Sea be smooth the wind may rise of a sudden a Calm is the fittest time to get my tackling ready against ensuing storms XCVI It is a comfort in misery to have a companion good company makes foul way fair besides the stream being divided is the less violent a burden is better born by two than by a single shoulder yet would I not desire anothers misery though it make me the less miserable I had rather suffer alone than have a partner in sin and suffering XCVII Ask forgiveness where thou hast offended it is more base to do an injury than to beg pardon it is ingenuity to acknowledge but to persist argues a froward spirit and makes the crime double it were a shame should the wronged party seek for peace the fault I have committed I will not think it below me to confess why should I engage in a bad cause there is no necessity I must be a Coward or not a Christian XCVIII Where the wrong is mutual and both too blame let each condescend to other and meet half way set injury against injury and the account is balanced and if so it were as good to give a general discharge as to receive and pay why should there be a difference when the fault is equal it is a folly to fall out for nothing there needs no more but to shake hands and friends blowing will not quench the fire when the enmity is over what matter who strikes sail first if one must why not I why should I be conquered by courtesie and let another prove himself the better man XCIX It is natural to erre but to persist therein Devilish we have our dark side as well as our bright our night as well as day the clearest-sighted may be mistaken the worst is when the mistake is maintained I have known some convinced of their sin yet will not confess for shame Conscience must give way to credit if I am out of my way it were better I went back than go on wrong I had rather be accounted a fool by others than find I had fooled my self I may be weak I will not be wilful C. A publick offence requires a publick acknowledgment others must be satisfied as well as thy self I have seen how some can leap from one extream to another with the greatest ease and without the least regret as if whatever cause they undertook must be therefore good I will not think much to recant when I have cause to repent he that escapes the penalty may well undergo the pennance CENT III. I. WHere there is no necessity launch not forth any farther than thou mayst return before the storm takes thee how many might have rid securely in the Harbor who by putting to Sea have suffered shipwrack to be too forward to engage thy self in danger is to be fool-hardy be not concerned with what concerns not thee consider the call as well as the cause who is to do what is to be done run not before thou art sent it is good sleeping in a whole skin II. If endeavours will not do it is best to give way awhile and stay for a fitter season take shelter till the rain is over clouds will be distilled or dispelled if thou canst not row against the stream cast Anchor and tarry till the Tyde turns the Wind may come about though now it be full against thee there is more skill and no less valour seen in making a good retreat than in fighting it is better to retire than to be routed he that flies may fight again to day may be anothers to morrow may be thine III. Pluck not a Coal from the Altar lest it fire thy Nest take heed of medling with the Churches Patrimony it were impious to alienate any thing given to pious uses once devoted the Donor hath not power to alter much less hast thou yea what was in him superstition would be in thee sacriledge IV. Play not with Scripture it is dangerous jesting with edge Tools do not sport with what is Sacred to make the Bible thy past-time were both sinful and saucy reverence Gods Word as the Word of God to deride the message were to scoff at him that sent it be not too bold with thy betters more manners would become thee better V. In matters of moment be sure thou art alwayes serious inconsideration may be of ill consequence it is good to look before you leap lest you leap and fall resolve not rashly lest you repent at leasure weigh all circumstances with the thing thou intendest and reckon upon what may as well as upon what should be endeavour nothing but what is feasible and before thou engagest on any design ask thy self this question What if it be not effected it were folly to run a hazard where the profit will not countervail the danger the pearle may not be worth the price gold may be bought too dear compare conveniencies with the inconveniencies and see whether the honey be worth the stinging VI. Be not over-wise in thy own conceit this were to proclaim thy self a fool besides the dangerous effects of so great a folly how many depending upon their own strength have run headlong into ruine and undone themselves presumption precedes peril the danger is nearest when least thought of I will suspect my own wisdom lest I hazard my reputation with wise men and by refusing help whilst I choose to stand alone I chance to fall unpitied VII Abhor pride lest all abhor thee there is nothing so insufferable as a proud person he cannot admire himself more than others detest and scorn him if a Tempest rises he hath no Port to friend nor no Anchor the Ship had need be tite and well provided of tackling that must weather out the storm it is the highest policy to be low and humble in a high place and great preferments there is no way like this to stay thee in the state thou art nor more probable to help thee if the Tyde turn if others are below thee be thou below thy self VIII Kill sin in its conception before it comes to the birth quench the fire while it is but a spark a spark may flame it is dangerous to dally with lust that may overmaster thee which might have been easily mastered if taken in time jest not with the knife lest thou cut thy fingers make not sin thy sport for fear it prove a snare do not slight the most seemingly contemptible enemy I will account the first motion to evil evil and crush the Cockatrice in the Egge what a monstrous off-spring comes of a corruption and temptation IX Buy not Repentance too dear he that sins upon the easiest terms hath no cause to brag of his bargain how little soever it cost him he will find himself a loser when the Account is ballanced I envy not those who pay for their pain
strength he does by slight though as a Lyon he could not pull the Apple yet as a Serpent he could climb the Tree LXXXIX Look upon thy life as a stream that runs and returns not every day thou art dying and to yesterday thou art dead thy house of clay is continually undermining and will fall every sickness makes it shake and stagger and who can tell but the next disease may destroy it I cannot think to live long Lord let me live well it matters not how soon I dye when I have done I cannot be too soon with thee nor happy too soon XC Is thy condition clouded it will clear up and the Sun shine give not way to sorrow but bid thy griefs be gone consider to what thou art design'd and let thy hopes chear thee it were a shame for a Saint to look sad what melancholy and going to glory will not Heaven make amends thou art yet under Age have patience but awhile and the Heir enters upon his inheritance the Prince may pass disguised in a strange Land but take state upon him in his own Territories I value not what my way is when it leads home I mind not my Journey but my Journeys end XCI Create not to thy self Crosses why shouldst thou seek for a knot in a Bullrush Be not solicitous for to morrow thou canst not tell whether to morrow may be thine sufficient for the day is the evil thereof perchance what thou fearest may not befall thee and then thy trouble is for nothing however it will be time enough when it comes I will enjoy what I have let what will come why should I refuse to quench my thirst for fear I want drink the next day XCII Expect not a Heaven upon Earth few meet with two Heavens one is enough two too much the portion cannot be in expectation and possession both Wouldst thou eat thy bread and have it think not thy way should be strowed with Roses working precedes a reward a Crown implies a Conquest suffering is proper to thy present state wouldst thou have thy Inne like thy dwelling place XCIII Consider what hath befallen others and thou wilt not wonder whatever befalls thee Do things go bad it goes worse with better men Art thou poor it hath been still the fate of the bravest persons some have been so by choice but most by chance wealth is but vanity and usually vexation like a garment too big or too long If my father deals with me as with the rest of his children shall it not content me there is no reason the most undutiful should have a double portion XCIV Let not the miseries common to mankind make thee either mourn or murmur the back was made for the burden see others laden as well as thou and how many go away more nimble under a greater weight Suppose some have a lesser Cross to carry yet do not thou repine if thou beest better able why should not thy will be proportionable to thy power I am born to trouble I will do my best to bear it XCV Be satisfied with thy station and stir not from thy standing if thou art near the bottom look to thy feet lest they slip thou mayst come lower if thou art got up the hill take heed lest thou fall the surest way is to stand still thou mayst be happy and keep where thou art Content does not hang so high but thou mayst reach it upon the ground what though another hath more if thou dost vvant less more than enough is too much and lesser would be better too great a Sail for a small Vessel is dangerous but sute the Sail to the ship and she goes sure XCVI Accustom thy self to sobriety and do not indulge thy sensual appetite in the provisions of thy life give not the flesh the reins set bounds to thy desires keep them within their banks let not nature be thy limit but necessity leave thy longing lest thou lose it it may be sooner ceased than satisfied learn to stop know when thou art well it is a torment to Tantalize XCVII When pleasures tempt thee turn them round see how they look behind view the shadowy side as well as that which is next the Sun reckon upon a return and consider what the remembrance is like to be if thy delights be sinful sighs and sorrow will make them soure and unsatisfying take his word who took his fill of all and let his experience prevent thine yet if bought wit be best look back to the time of thy own disappointments and when thou art about again to be cheated remember what thou hast already found and be no more abused It is thine own fault to be deceived twice XCVIII Upbraid no man with his weakness do not discover a deformity if thou canst conceal it lay thy finger upon the Wart and let not others see the shame never report it to disparage him or advance thy self Admire that goodness that supports thee when others slip let their failings humble thee the fountain is the same though it runs not alike clear thou mightest have been as he is and may'st be look to thine own feet let him that stands take heed lest he fall XCIX Change not thy opinion of persons as they change their affection consider what they are in themselves not what they are to thee their kindness or unkindness makes no essential alteration it is more an accident than a quality perchance thou hast deserved the difference the change is then in thee not in them no wonder the effect alters with the cause C. Never boast of thy sin nor glory in thy shame cast a vail over thy naked part if possible shun the scandal it is not necessary that others see what God sees and thy self Plead not in a wrong cause this argues impudency not penitency Blush when thou art too blame be more ready to confess thy fault than to excuse it Do not contend but amend ingenuity lies in acknowledgment CENT II. I. WHen Pride makes thy plumes rise consider what thou wert in thy birth and what thou shalt be uncleanness in the womb and rottenness in the tomb filthy in conception and filth in thy dissolution what art thou between these but weakness and wildness Consider but the pollutions of thy nature the prevarications of thy life the dirt of death and then be proud if thou canst II. Be angry but sin not let not the Sun go down upon thy wrath shew thy self willing to be reconciled be not passionate but soon pacified if anger boyle within thy breast seal up thy lips the fire that wants vent will suppress it self words like blows often blow a spark into a flame if any hath injured thee think whom thou hast wronged and bear with others as God bears with thee III. Do not covet what thou hast not but content thy self with what thou hast he is rich that is satisfied want lies in desire Covetousness is a thing the most contradictory to
subject to this arrest as the poorest Peasant the Grave is the general meeting place it matters not much who get thither first whither all are going and where all meet all the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change comes LVIII There is nothing in the world but death certain we know whither we are bound but what may befall us in our voyage we do not know it does not always blow alike we are sometimes up and sometimes down seldome steer steddy yet we still sail to the same Port though not by the same Point what uncertainty am I at that can neither find out what degree I am in nor judge at my course by my Compass since I cannot be sure I will not be secure LIX He that hath least trouble lives best a quiet life is the only life what content can there be in a crowd it is sad being at Sea in a storm a hurry of business makes but our passage the more boisterous I would neither be idle nor much employ'd I do not think the world worth wasting my self or my time a man may get and be a loser Gold may be bought too dear I will delight in what I do and enjoy what I have while others strive for Crowns my mind is to me a Kingdom LX. Pleasure is soon past and oft-times leaves more cause of penitence than of remembrance the sweetest morsels slide down the soonest and the soonest make us sick what is wholesome is seldom toothsome where there is honey there is a sting sorrow is the effect of sin the sweetest Rose hath its prickles there is a bitter sweet in the best state vanity will prove vexation pleasure ends in repentance if not in pain why should I covet what cost too dear it is a bad bargain where the profit will not countervail the pain LXI Use causes custom and custom takes away conscience he that sins often will not know when he sins to do nothing else will make it seem nothing what was at first strange will by degrees become familiar and gets acquaintance by continuance I will endeavour to crush the Cockatrice in the egge a spark is easier quench'd than the flame the best way to prevent a mischief is to stifle sin in its motion I will keep temptation at arms end lest if it get within me I receive the foil and joyning with corruption should carry me captive LXII There is nothing so bitter which a brave mind cannot bear great sufferings sute best with a great spirit a heavy load with a strong shoulder it is not the burden but the back not what is laid on but him that bears it Lord give me what thou commandest and command what thou pleasest if thou callest me to that I never did give me that I never had let one hand be under as the other is upon me that I may carry my crosses chearfully and troubles may not trouble me LXIII The way to Hell is easie there is no difficulty in going down hill it is a plain path that leads to the infernal pit I will not mind my baiting place so much as my journeys end nor the way I go as whither I am going neither complain that it is no better all is well that ends well I am or shall be past the worst and Heaven will make amends for all LXIV It is best to die before thou desirest how many deaths must he die that lives till he desires to die we wish not for the worst and it is more wisdom to prevent than to cure I will not think that can come too soon which may prevent both sin and sorrow I cannot be too soon happy nor rid of sin too soon LXV That which an Age was building is not an hour destroying what famous Fabricks the work and wonder of many Ages have been soon consumed to ashes some Cities lie buried in their ruines and nothing of some to be seen here is no abiding City I will seek that which is above whose builder and maker is God LXVI Vices are learn'd without a Master weeds need no sowing what grows wild will grow alone nature will nourish her own which she both produces and provides for without the help of Art while what is good is gain'd by sweat and pains I will the least value what cost the least trouble and comes without care as knowing Gold is got with difficulty and Pearls with pain but Pebbles are in every place LXVII I will account that my Country where I am well why should I be confind suppose I be not where I was born what was in my Parents power is now in mine I am left to my own liberty to pitch where I please what folly were it to restrain my self who am not obliged to persons or to place why should not my body be as free as my mind and neither Sea nor Land can bound my thoughts let narrow souls take up with a narrow room the world is my Country where-ever I am I shall think my self every where at home LXVIII The greatest happiness consists in a mans own will and it is in his own power to make himself happy felicity lies in fancy he was a brave fellow that thought all the Ships that came to Athens were his own who so rich as he I am as I esteem my self it matters not though I have not of my own when what another hath is mine LXIX Moderation in prosperity argues a great mind to keep an even course when all Sails draw shews the Ship to be well ballasted I will not value my self by what I have but by what I am the change of my condition shall never change me whatever alters yet will not I this shall be my Motto Still the same LXX This is the miserable condition of mankind we are born one way but dye many how many thousand casualties are we subject to the least whereof might prove as mortal as Goliah's Spear no creature so contemptible which cannot kill us what a strange uncertainty are we at that are sure of nothing we daily walk over many Graves and carry our lives in our hands since I know my sentence I will prepare my self not knowing but the next accident may prove the Executioner LXXI He that cannot hope let him not despair many things fall out which could not be foreseen and who can tell what may happen why should I give my self for gone it may clear up at noon or in the afternoon after a storm comes a calm a foul morning may prove a fair day but if my case be concluded and my sun be to set in a cloud it is but withdrawing for a while in the Grave all is close and still I shall there be well though no where else let it rain or blow or what it will it shall neither wet nor awake me LXXII That grief is light which is capable of counsel it is a good sign to see the plaister at the sore the wound is worst that